Friends But A Possession
Just The Way It Was
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Although life on the plantation wasn’t like it was, it was a lot better than other places. The weather had broken and spring was in the air. The fruit trees were blooming and the trees were starting to leaf out. Everywhere you looked you could see the birds that had returned. Over in the woods, there were new calves and pigs being born. You could hear the wailing of new babies born by some of the young Nigras. Everyone was preparing the soil for their crops and gardens. With his hair and beard trimmed and more weight, Buck was starting to look more like the owner of Mount Hope. Birdie had done what she had promised, she was fattening him up. With improved health Bucks spirits improved also. After several weeks, he told his family that he would like to attend church in town the next Sunday. He had been slipping in the back of the church that Big Man founded each Sunday. He was surprised at the depth and passion of Man’s sermons. He could see the fruit of the Pastor’s labor. Many of the former slaves had become committed Christians. It was a beautiful spring Sunday morning when Buck had the carriages brought around. He had asked John and Jim to drive the family to church in Leota. It was a gay trip riding through the countryside. When they arrived at the church, they were greeted warmly by the now small congregation and the elderly pastor. Buck was surprised at how few males were in attendance. He then realized that with the exception of a few parolees like himself, there were no men. The rest of the men between twelve and sixty had been impressed into Confederate service. Now he understood the significance of all the battle deaths. So many of the men that had left so bravely to fight for the South would not be returning home. They had died by the thousands all across the South. It was a strange feeling standing around with mostly women. Buck was impressed again with how blessed he was to have made it home.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
What if you abhorred the institution of slavery but inherited a large southern plantation with 500 slaves? What if you inherited your best friend? What if you opposed seceding from the union but federal trops were coming to burn your house and property? What if you couldn't reconcile being a Christian and owning slaves? What if you were captured and taken to Rock Island Prison in Illinois? What if you were separated from the love of your life? These were the dilemmas that confronted Buchanan Inman (Buck) as he lived through the turbulent years of the Civil War.
About the Author
TROY CRAWFORD WOODS, JR. Business man and Educator BS Business Administration; M ED, Secondary Supervision The author grew up in the small delta town of Cleveland, Mississippi. Although a business major at Delta State University in Cleveland, his interest in history caused him to minor in the subject. He later received his Masters in Education, Secondary Supervision. While serving as an administrator, he always find time to teach his passion, Southern History. The author married his high school sweetheart, Ann Inman while in college. They are the parents of four children and fourteen grandchildren. They lived in Cleveland and were in business there until they bought and restored an antebellum home named Mount Holly. (another story) This fourteen thousand square foot house is located on Lake Washington in the Mississippi Delta. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes. The family lived there for twenty years until they sold it. They now reside om Flowood, Mississippi. The author's early interest in history and genealogy caused him to converse with many older people through the years, both black and white. Some of their stories are included in this historical novel. Some of the war experiences are based upon the actual experiences of his ancestors. It is hoped that the reader will come to understand what a complex society that the people of the South lived in before and during the Civil war.